TUI has launched a new Multi-Crew Pilot Licence Cadet (MPL) programme, with 30 spaces available in the first year.

After completing the programme, the recruits will be qualified to fly as co-pilots on commercial planes.

Cadets will have to complete 18-months of training, starting in the classroom and followed by basic and then advance flying.

Applicants must have a minimum of five GCSES, including maths, English and one science, at grade C/4 or above.

No previous flying experience is required.

There are no upfront training costs, but pilots will pay back the fee from their salaries once they’ve qualified.

They’ll be taken on by TUI as a Cadet Pilot for four years, earning a salary £32,867 a year, after the deduction.

Chief Airline Officer Marco Ciomperlik said TUI was ‘keen to attract new talent from all different walks of life’.

Martin Chalk, General Secretary of pilots’ union BALPA said: “BALPA applauds the efforts of TUI UK to address the potential weaknesses in the MPL route into our profession, and wholeheartedly supports the active intention to broaden the backgrounds of candidates becoming professional pilots.

“The best indicators of future ‘star aviators’ are aptitude to learn the skills required and professional determination – not access to six figure sums of money, or gender, religion, or cultural heritage.  BALPA wishes TUI and all the candidates they select the very best with this scheme and looks forward to working with them all.”

Aviation Minister Baroness Vere said: “Our aviation industry is recovering rapidly, and to keep up with the great progress it’s making we need to ensure we do everything we can to create the next generation of pilots.

“Schemes like this and our Generation Aviation programme are exactly what is needed to drive new rounds of recruitment, getting young people into aviation and building a workforce that reflects Britain’s diversity.”

TUI Airways MD Malcolm Sutherland said the high cost of training had prevented people from diverse backgrounds applying to train as pilots.

“Diversity amongst airline pilots remains low across the whole industry,” he said. “Many industry schemes have sought to address this, but the circa £100,000+ cost of pilot training remains a huge barrier to entry and restricts the diversity and demographics of those entering the industry. 

“Our cadet scheme will address this, providing the opportunity to become a pilot without a requirement to pay any upfront costs for training. For what we believe to be an industry first in the UK, I’m excited to see the interest in the scheme, and in helping our new recruits follow their career dreams.”

The scheme is open for applications via: Pilot Cadet Programme • TUI Careers UK (tuigroup.com)